Lime Crime is a brand I’ve been meaning to try for years now and I knew that this would be my first purchase once I saw it on the lovely Natalie. Lime Crime velvetines are a bit of a cult product and this colour in particular seems to be perennially sold out on their website. I managed to hunt one down however, and I’m definitely not disappointed.

I have a ton of red lipsticks/ stains so I like to think that my standards are high. Saying that, I think that this is by far the longest-wearing lip product I’ve ever tried (in any colour). The product goes on wet and you achieve opacity with just one swipe.

After a minute or so, the liquid lipstick dries down to a super matte finish that won’t budge until you want it to. The swatch I made on my hand endured through washing my face, taking a shower, putting on nail polish, going to sleep etc. etc. Water just seemed to bounce off it so this product is definitely for you if you’re looking for waterproof makeup. It eventually came off with a good waterproof makeup remover and some elbow grease.

The colour is a blue-based red that is seriously bright so it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. I decided that I couldn’t wear it without some type of lip liner so I added a dark brown to tone it down slightly. The product isn’t cheap at $20 (exc. shipping) but I think it’s fantastic value for what you get. However, it’s extremely similar to Sephora’s cream lip stain in “Always Red” if you’re looking for a less expensive dupe.

I love the way it pops on my skin tone (please ignore my unblended lip liner)

Red velvet, like MAC’s Ruby Woo, is one of those reds that will look good on anybody. However, the formula is very unforgiving if you make any mistakes so be prepared to either line your lips or use a foundation/ concealer to clean up any errors.

Also, it goes without saying but there’s no room for crusty lips here! This baby will spill all of your secrets so make sure to thoroughly exfoliate and moisturise before application. The Lime Crime velvetine in “Red Velvet” can be found here (currently out of stock), here, or here and it’s definitely a nice addition for red lipstick lovers of all shades.

Nana Adomah

You know the feeling you get when something so incredible simple is finally realised? This is the feeling I got when I tried Lancome‘s new Grandiose mascara. I do makeup as a side hustle and I frequently bend disposable mascara wands in order to access every single lash on my clients. Lancome has so cleverly done my job for me!

I’ve never seen a mascara with a swan-like wand before and this one is absolutely brilliant! I have annoying lashes that grow in every direction and this mascara was able to reach every single pesky one. The innovative design of the wand also forces you to “screw” it out of the bottle (which you’re supposed to do with mascaras anyway) and prevents the pumping motion which cause mascaras to dry out prematurely.

I’m a big fan of small, plastic mascara wands as I feel as though they better grip my lashes so obviously I fell in love with this one. The cone-shaped brush gets at every lash and the unique bend in the wand ensures that you don’t have to contort yourself into dodgy positions in order to get to each lash. The formula of the mascara itself is refreshingly non-clumpy and it doesn’t dry down to that crunchy texture as some mascaras are wont to do. It also gives a really nice lift to the lashes in addition to length and volume.

Finally, the packaging is sufficiently swanky for a luxe mascara and the bottle is reassuringly weighty in the hand. I especially like the suspended Lancome rose at the tip of the bottle.

The mascara is currently available for pre-order on the Lancome website and it retails for $32. I’m sure it’ll be available in stores by next week.

I’m a big fan of Lancome mascaras and Grandiose is definitely a welcome addition to the family!

Picture taken after more than 9 hours of wear. Still going strong!